MIAMI and ME
The first time I came to the US was in 1999 and I went to Miami. I’m a lucky girl, because my parents sent me to Florida for a summer camp. I spent 3 weeks traveling from Orlando to Key West. I went to the amusement parks, saw alligators in the Everglades and everything in between including the mandatory stop in Miami.
I was 16 years old and had the best time ever. From that moment I knew I wanted to go back to the US and even study or work over there one day. My love for the US was born. I managed to go back the following summer with the Rotary Club (Rotary International) for a student exchange program. I went to Texas to spend one month with an American family after my parents hosted my penpal for a month. I got exposed to the American dream and I was hooked. My dream became to live in the US one day.
The following year the Rotary Club had offered for me to study in the US for one year and I declined. Their plan for me was to attend my senior year (12th grade) in the US after I graduated high school in France. This made no sense to me. At that time I was almost 18 years old and in love. This is why I said no. I was young and I thought I would have other opportunities. Well another opportunity did come up, when I was 32 years old.
My dream came true in January 2015, when my English Firm transferred me from London to the American office in Chicago. Since then, I lost count how many times I have been to Miami. It has become one of my favorite winter getaways to escape the cold Chicago weather.
My City Guide C’est Ici! (it’s here)
Something to know about me is that, when I travel I love to feel “at home”. It means that, if I like a hotel or restaurant I will go back during my next visit. This is probably due to my many, many travels at a high cadence during the past two decades. I needed to stay grounded.
South Beach
When I’m in Miami I love to stay at the Redbury in South Beach (see pictures below). It’s a small intimate hotel with a great location one street from the beach and opposite to the Raleigh Hotel, an iconic Art Deco Building. It also gives access to the beach chairs at the Raleigh and SLS Hotel, which is really nice. Unfortunately the Raleigh, which is one of my favorite addresses, is currently under renovation and closed.
South Beach is definitely the place to go for the beach. You will find all the pretty colorful lounge chairs and umbrellas from the beachfront hotels. It is also famous for its Art Deco architecture. You will see all the bright colors and retro buildings from the 1920’s/1930’s along Ocean Drive. It was also once the mansion of the Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. It’s now a restaurant and boutique hotel: The Villa Casa Casuarina.
Design enthusiasts would love to check out the Miami Beach Edition Hotel, for its sleek design (picture of the interior below). The Faena Hotel, is another one for its opulent decor, inspired by the glitz and glamour of 1950’s Miami Beach. Grab a drink at their Living Room Lounge Bar to live the experience. The 1 Hotel South Beach has a great rooftop overlooking the ocean. It’s a good spot to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
We recently went to Miami and tried the Happy Hour Special at the Standard and Spa Hotel in Biscayne Bay. The restaurant is called the Lido Bayside Grill. It’s by the water and has great views of Downtown Miami. I highly recommend it (see pictures below). We also always love to spend time at Soho House. It’s a members’ club for people in the creative industries and Arts and Media. Their first floor, both at Miami and Chicago is also open to the public.
Design District
If you had enough of the beach, go visit the Design District, its museums and stores. The Christian Dior store has opened a pop-up café on its third floor terrace: Dior Café, like the one in Saint-Tropez.
Wynwood
Finally go explore Wynwood. It’s a really cool neighborhood, famous for its street art, art galleries and Wynwood Walls, the outdoor museum showcasing large-scale works.
Here is the list of my favorite addresses:
RESTAURANTS:
Mandolin Aegean Bistro www.mandolinmiami.comLa Sandwicherie lasandwicherie.comBaia Beach Club www.baiabeachclubmiami.comOliver's Bistro oliversmiamibeach.comThe Lido Bayside Grill www.lidobayside.comBlue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill - South Beach www.eatblueribbonmiami.comGitano Miami www.gitano.comCecconi’s Miami Beach www.cecconismiamibeach.com
HOTELS:
The Redbury South Beach redburymiami.comThe Betsy Hotel www.thebetsyhotel.comSoho House Miami www.sohohouse.com
